Impaired Baseline Renal Function May Not Influence Outcomes and Survival After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation

Background. We investigated changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implant and the impact on long-term outcomes.Methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted for 255 patients with LVADs, divided into 2 groups based on preimplant eGFR (<60 or >60 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) and into 6 grades (grade 1, >90 mL/min/1.73 m(2) normal; grade 2, 60-89 mild dysfunction; grade 3, 45-59 moderate; grade 4, 30-44 moderate to severe; grade 5, 15-29 severe; or grade 6, <15 kidney failure). Changes in eGFR and the impact on long-term outcome and survival were analyzed.Results. One-month postimplant eGFR of the total cohort increased from a baseline of 75.19 +/- 34.35 to 118.97 +/- 67.62 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (P < .001). eGRF 4 years postimplant was higher than baseline but not significantly (P = .48). Patients with a preimplant eGFR > 60 followed the same pattern as the entire cohort. The preimplant eGFR < 60 group had a significant increase at 1 month (P < .001), eGFR remained significantly higher than baseline 4 years postimplant (P = .032), and there was a sustained transition to improved distribution of renal function grade after LVAD implant. Post-LVAD implant survival at 1, 3, and 5 years for baseline eGFR > 60 was 76%, 54%, and 48% and for eGFR < 60 was 71%, 60%, and 48%, respectively (P = .92).Conclusions. Patients with a low preimplant eGFR derive benefit from LVAD therapy, with eGFR remaining elevated above preimplant levels. Preimplant renal dysfunction did not impact negatively on long-term morbidity and mortality. (C) 2021 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons